05/24/2025
Let’s talk about something most people don’t — but so many parents experience:
💭 “What if I drop the baby?”
💭 “What if I accidentally hurt them?”
💭 “What if something awful happens?”
These thoughts can be terrifying. And when they show up, many parents wonder:
“Does this mean I’m going to hurt my baby?”
“What’s wrong with me?”
“Should I even tell anyone I’m thinking this?”
Here’s what I want you to know:
Those thoughts — the disturbing, unwanted, scary ones — are called intrusive thoughts, and they are incredibly common, especially in the postpartum period.
🌀 They are a symptom, not a reflection of your character.
🌀 They are not the same as intent.
🌀 And they do not mean you are dangerous.
In fact, the very fact that these thoughts upset you is usually a sign that you’re safe — because you recognize they don’t align with who you are.
What many parents are actually experiencing is Postpartum OCD or Postpartum Anxiety, both of which can involve repetitive, intrusive thoughts. These thoughts can feel so real and scary that they lead to shame, avoidance, or isolation — all of which make things harder.
But here’s the good news:
🌿 You are not alone.
🌿 You are not a bad parent.
🌿 And most importantly — help is available, and healing is possible.
Therapists trained in perinatal mental health understand this. You won’t be judged. You won’t be dismissed. And you will be supported with care, tools, and compassion.
If you’ve been carrying scary thoughts in silence, this is your reminder:
You are still a good parent. You are still safe.
And you deserve help without shame.
